Printing versus Print
Posted by: Sara Rofofsky Marcus
With the growth of e-materials, or digital-native materials, do you find the amount of printing rising? I have seen more emphasis put on the purchasing and subscribing to electronic databases and ebooks that have similar materials also available (or potentially available) in print. When I see the number of pages being printed from the electronic materials, I start to wonder if it is more efficient, effective, and green to have the printed materials available also. If 30 people print the same article, or chapter, is this better or worse?
On the other hand, the electronic copy cannot be torn, mutilated, or otherwise made inaccessible to future users. With unlimited simultaneous users, multiple patrons can use the same title without waiting. But, if printing is going on, does this make it more or less efficient and effective (and, yes, green)?
